Summary
Death Stranding 2is a solid evolution compared to its predecessor, not only in graphics quality but also in various gameplay elements that have seen clear improvement. One of these novelties is APAS Enhancements, a new mechanic that lets players choose fresh perks as they progress through the story and develop Sam’s abilities, optimizing several aspects of play.
Thus, thebest perks to unlock at the start ofDeath Stranding 2are those APAS Enhancements that offer strong utility during the first hours, helping players enjoy smoother gameplay. Although some perks may lose usefulness as new equipment or skills appear, investing the points available in them is essential for greater peace of mind while Sam begins exploring Mexico and Australia.
Players can unlock new APAS Enhancements by leveling up Sam’s Porter Grade.
10Emergency Vehicle Charger
Can Save Sam In Critical Moments
Vehicle batteries are one of the biggest challenges players face during the early game ofDeath Stranding 2, but the game offers a few ways to work around this issue. For example, in addition to the Battery Efficiency Boost that helps extend battery life, players can also unlock the Emergency Vehicle Charger, which can save Sam in some of the journey’s most critical moments.
As the perk’s own description states, it’s inefficient and intended for emergency use only. Still, in crucial situations, it might be just enough to help Sam reach the final stretch of a delivery or avoid waiting for a full recharge. Even with its limited scope, it’s worth investing a bit of memory into this skill for added safety.
9Proximity Scanner
Excellent for Saving Sam’s Time
The Odradek Scanner is one of Sam’s best pieces of gear, since a tap of L1 lets players scan much of the surrounding mapfor information such as enemy positions and other items. Yet pausing everything Sam is doing inDeath Stranding 2to use this device can be awkward at times, which is why the Proximity Scanner is one of the game’s top perks.
It is comparatively shorter, showing only the silhouettes of humans and animals within a twenty-meter radius of Sam, but even with such a small area it is more than enough to handle enemies in bandit camps, especially at night. This APAS Enhancement can also help Sam capture animals for delivery to the Animal Shelter, as it highlights those silhouettes when used.
8Swift MULE Postbox Hacking
Saves Players Considerable Time
Especially in brigand camps scattered across the Australian map inDeath Stranding 2, it is common for players to find MULE Postboxes stocked with useful items and resources for crafting. One problem is that Sam spends a few seconds unlocking them, which can be troublesome for anyone in a hurry or attempting the task without defeating all nearby bandits.
Therefore, Swift MULE Postbox Hacking is one of the most useful perks inDeath Stranding 2because it reduces that time and is also among the cheapest APAS Enhancements available, making it worth any player’s memory points to activate. This skill keeps the game’s flow satisfying, preventing Sam from seeming to waste time unnecessarily.
7Simple Noise Canceller
Essential APAS Enhancement For Stealth-Focused Play
One of the enjoyable aspects ofDeath Stranding 2is that players can approach combat in different ways during gameplay or avoid it whenever possible. Therefore,for those who prefer stealth, Simple Noise Canceller is an APAS Enhancement perk to select as soon as the system becomes available, because it lowers the amount of noise Sam generates.
Although it is more useful for those who prefer stealth gameplay, the Simple Noise Canceller is also a solid overall skill in the game, as the reduced noise can help in key moments, such as landing a shot on an enemy before being noticed. It also has a low cost, making little impact on the build throughout the game.
6Improved MP Bullets
Sam Deals More Damage With Them
MP Bullets are among the most versatile ammunition typesinDeath Stranding 2, working against human enemies, mechs, and BTs after the player completes Order 005. This makes weapons bearing the [MP] designation essential for anyone seeking a more direct combat gameplay style. To enhance that approach even further, the Improved MP Bullets perk ranks as one of the best in the game.
With this APAS Enhancement active, players increase both the damage and accuracy of MP rounds, which greatly helps in fights against brigand groups or hostile BTs. Because it unlocks at a relatively low cost, it is an excellent choice for early and mid-game, ensuring Sam deals greater impact during encounters and making it one of the top perks even for those who rarely engage in combat.
5Skeleton Auto-Assist
Turns Death Stranding 2 Skeletons Into Something Even More Effective
As in the first game,skeleton exosuits are some of the best equipmentSam can possess, granting a considerable boost in certain gameplay aspects such as combat capability or carrying capacity. However, Skeleton Auto-Assist can further optimize the usefulness of these items, making it one of the best APAS Enhancements inDeath Stranding 2and something players should select early in Kojima’s sequel.
When activated, it provides even more bodily stability while using a skeleton during exploration, so even when Sam carries a heavy load, the chances of falling are greatly reduced. Given the number of skeleton types players can craft throughoutDeath Stranding 2, this perk easily becomes one of the game’s standout APAS Enhancements.
4Improved Floating Carriers
Optimizes One Of The Best Mechanics For Helping Sam With Deliveries
Alongside vehicles, floating carriers are the best tools Sam can keep at his side during a delivery, allowing the protagonist ofDeath Stranding 2to haul even more weight. The trade-off is that they consume some of the chiral crystals players may have in inventory, which can be a problem early in the game due to limited supply.
For that reason, the Improved Floating Carriers perk is one of the best inDeath Stranding 2, as it considerably reduces the number of chiral crystals these devices use when active. They then function more like an extension of Sam’s own body, carrying virtually no cost compared with their utility when making deliveries for preppers.
3Battery Efficiency Boost
Perfect For Extending Vehicle Range In The Early Game
Even though vehicles are extremely useful for the amount of cargo they can carry, theirbatteries are one of the biggest problems inDeath Stranding 2. Early in the game, players must plan routes carefully to avoid a tri-cruiser or Off-Roader running out of power mid-journey, which can delay deliveries or expose the vehicle to timefall damage.
That’s why this is one of the best perks inDeath Stranding 2, as it optimizes battery usage for all vehicles by 8%. Even if players eventually find better ways to extend vehicle duration, the energy savings this perk provides remain highly useful ,not just early on, but throughout all of Sam’s future deliveries.
2Aim Assistance
Highly Useful For Combat Scenarios
Combat inDeath Stranding 2is one of the mechanics that saw the most improvement over the first game, becoming even more enjoyable in this entry. For players who prefer a combat-focused version of Sam, Aim Assistance is one of the best perks to choose from the APAS Enhancement system, proving useful throughout the entire game.
As the name suggests, it automatically centers Sam’s weapon aim on the nearest enemyinDeath Stranding 2, making it easier to hit targets. While players still need to fine-tune their aim for headshots, the skill improves shooting accuracy and response time, offering a solid advantage in the game’s action-heavy moments.
1Instant Cargo Binding
Good For Those Who Want To Carry A Lot Of Cargo
Although players will not face this problem for the entire game and a little care can remedy the situation, falls that Sam may suffer during exploration or combat inDeath Stranding 2cause real headaches. It is not uncommon forsome of the cargo he is carrying to fallto the ground at such times, taking damage.
For this reason, Instant Cargo Binding is one of the best APAS Enhancements available, as it reduces the chance of cargo being dropped by Sam in these situations. Although it draws a bit of battery from the backpack, the trade-off is worthwhile considering how much trouble it can prevent.
